5th February............revised post

It was Erin's Birthday on the 5th-she would have been 23.............. It was a beautiful sunny day so we decided to drive to Bergerac, which is about 100km north west of us. There is a huge garden centre just outside of the town and we wanted to look for a nice plant to mark Erin's day. We chose a lovely lavender coloured rose and have picked out a place for it on the new terrace by the side of the house. We also bought a wind chime to hang in the same area and when there is a breeze and they chime we will say "Hi Erin".

Bergerac is the largest town in the Dordogne Valley and owes its prosperity and importance to the river. As early as the twelfth century it was a thriving port and crossing point on the river. gabarres carried, wood, stone, wine and other locally produced goods between Perigord and Bordeaux. Today the gabarres carry tourists up and down the river on sightseeing trips as the photograph above shows. The centre of the newer part the town is dominated by the church of Notre-Dame, with its neogothic belltower.

Bergerac is now known for its wine making and numerous vineyards surround the town. There are thirteen appellations in all. Perhaps the most famous is Chatau Monbazilliac, to the south of the town, which is famous for its sweet, white wine.

The vieille ville is a very picturesque and peaceful area to stroll around, with lots small shops and cafes, where you can relax with a coffee or something stronger! There are also many beautifully restored medieval houses and museums to look out for.

In the centre of Vieille Ville there is a statue of a man with a big nose called Cyrano de Bergerac, even though this poetic caveliar never set foot in the town, why? This will have to be researched and if anyone knows why he is there let me know.